The Eritrean Seaman Union (ESU) participated in the 3rd Congress of the Eritrean Afar National Congress (EANC), which was held from July 4–5, 2026, following an official invitation. During the event, the President of the ESU, Chief Engineer Paulo Antonio, delivered a speech expressing the union’s support. He thanked the organizing committee and reaffirmed the ESU’s commitment to working with the Afar people and all those striving for a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Eritrea.

fig. 1. 2026/Participation of the ESU in the 3rd Eritrean Afar National Congress

The President emphasized that the ESU’s commitment to protecting the dignity and future opportunities of Eritrean fishermen, seafarers, and all coastal communities is firm and tireless.

Reflecting on our shared history, the Afar people, along with the Dahlak community and other coastal populations, have lived in harmony with the Red Sea for thousands of years. They were among the region’s first sailors, fishermen, maritime traders, and navigation experts. The Red Sea was not merely a workplace; it was their home, their culture, and their identity.

Throughout various colonial periods, these communities courageously preserved their culture, maritime knowledge, and heritage. Even during the most challenging times, their connection to the Red Sea remained strong. During Eritrea’s long struggle for independence, many Afar fishermen and coastal communities made significant contributions to the liberation movement. Their deep knowledge of the Red Sea coast and its islands was a great asset to the struggle. Like all Eritreans, many coastal families paid a heavy price, and their contributions are an official, unforgettable part of Eritrean history.

At the Congress, the President highlighted that the history of Eritrea’s struggle for freedom occurred not only in the mountains but also along the Red Sea coast. Traditional fishermen harvested fish in Eritrean waters and traded with neighboring communities across the sea. Through ports like Assab and Massawa, and the coastal islands, they sold fish and other valuable natural resources—such as pearls—to obtain essential goods for their families and the market, including food, medicine, and clothing. These traditional trade activities linked Eritrea with neighboring communities in Yemen, Djibouti, Sudan, and Ethiopia, fostering a culture of peaceful economic relations.

Fishing, small-scale trade, transport, and tourism created job opportunities for thousands of coastal families and generated local wealth. The Red Sea and its islands are rich in natural resources and offer great potential for tourism and economic growth. Unfortunately, most of this traditional way of life has been severely damaged today.

Chief Engineer Paulo Antonio added that over the past thirty years, regional conflicts and political tensions in the Red Sea have disrupted the natural life of coastal inhabitants, placing particular pressure on the Afar people. Conflicts, such as those over the Hanish Islands, have restricted the movement of traditional fishermen and caused displacement. Furthermore, tensions between Eritrea and Djibouti have severely hindered long-standing coastal trade and movement.

Today, instability in the Red Sea, including the conflict involving Yemen, has created new dangers and threats for peaceful fishermen. Many now leave their homes each morning without knowing if they will return safely. Beyond just thinking about fishing, they are forced to worry about security threats, the movement of military ships and aircraft, and the risks of conflict at sea.

Consequently, tourism has vanished, and traditional trade and fishing have weakened, leaving many coastal families’ primary sources of income at risk. The Red Sea, once a source of hope, is now an environment of fear and uncertainty for many families—a reality we all witness, yet it is not receiving the attention it deserves.

“The history of the Eritrean people’s struggle for freedom occurred not only in the mountains, but also in the Red Sea!” stated Chief Engineer Paulo Antonio.

Fig. 2. Chief Engineer Paulo Antonio, president of ESU

The President further explained that the environmental protection of the Red Sea is a vital field that requires a dedicated body to monitor and provide proper information. He noted that pollution, environmental destruction, and the consequences of conflict threaten one of the most unique and valuable marine ecosystems in the world, and it requires urgent attention.

He concluded by stating, “As President of the Eritrean Seaman Union, I believe these are not just maritime issues. These are also matters of human dignity, justice, sustainable development, environmental protection, and fundamental human rights. When we protect our fishermen, we are ensuring our food security, our natural heritage, our environment, and the future of Eritrea.” He added, “Every fisherman deserves the right to work safely. Every family living on the coast deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, and every child has the right to inherit a safe sea and a peaceful future.”

The ESU reaffirmed its commitment to working with all those who believe in peace, justice, democracy, human dignity, and equal opportunities for all Eritreans. He firmly stated, “Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. A peaceful and democratic Eritrea can only be built through dialogue, mutual respect, equality, constitutional governance, and the effective participation of all our national communities.”

“The Red Sea must never be remembered only as a place of conflict. It should once again become a sea of peace, friendship, investment, trade, sustainable development, and shared prosperity,” the Chief Engineer said. He ended his speech with a call to the participants of the 3rd Congress of the EANC 2026: “Let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit hope rather than fear, cooperation rather than conflict, and unity based on justice and equality rather than division.”

Eritrean Seaman Union Executive Director – Capt. Eng. Merih Habte Hagos (MSc.)